The upcoming Pittsburgh Steelers v. Denver Broncos game on Sunday is an exciting one to keep an eye out for. The two teams have played each other a staggering 34 times, with the Broncos leading 20-13, with a tie thrown in for good measure. They last played each other nearly three years ago, in October 2021. The Steelers sealed the win that time, with a comfortable 27-19. If the game had been held in 2022, odds are Russell Wilson would have been leading the Broncos. But here in 2024, he might be leading the Steelers?

Russell Wilson listed as “Questionable” vs Broncos

Speaking to the press, Pittsburg Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin brought grim news for Steelers fans hoping to see Wilson in action. The 35-year-old couldn’t open for the Steelers on week one owing to a training camp calf injury. In the meantime, 25-year-old Justin Fields is filling in for the spot, and has done a stellar job. The 18-10 win against the Atlanta Falcons saw him perform admirably, with 156 passing yards to his name. After Tomlin said Wilson had been listed as “questionable” for the upcoming game, Fields will be keen to prove himself.

There is indeed a fear that Wilson’s spot could be permanently in danger if Fields’ performance continues. Tomlin initially pegged Wilson as the “pole position” for the starting quarterback job, even though neither quarterback really shone during the preseason games. Circumstances have forces his hand, though, and Field looks set to start against the Broncos. Should he take over for good? Opinions are divided.

Russell Wilson’s history with the Denver Broncos

Russell Wilson did, of course, serve a very controversial stint with the Denver Broncos. In September 2022, just 2 years ago, he signed a 5-year, $245 million contract extension with the Broncos. So what on earth is he doing playing for a different team a mere 2 years later? In his 2022 season with the Broncos, he picked up multiple injuries, including a shoulder and hamstring injury. He was also sacked more than any other quarterback that whole season, ending the year at an abysmal 4-11 for the team.

Going into 2023, after it was revealed he’d had surgery on his knee in the offseason, things weren’t looking much better. Though his performance was better that year, by the end of it, he was benched. This happened despite the much-improved 7-8 record and the surprise 24-9 win against the Kansas City Chiefs. He was benched with just two games left to avoid him getting injured on the field, which would earn him a guaranteed $37 million per a contract clause. It’s clear the Broncos didn’t think he was worth that much. But even after cutting him, the Broncos owe him $39 million, a sum they are currently paying him.

To see Russell Wilson facing off against the Broncos on Sunday would have been poetic – their own money calling the plays against them. But perhaps the fact he’s injured is a useful lesson in why they let the 35-year-old go, despite the monetary loss.